5 beachside getaways on the KwaZulu-Natal coast

Long days of sunshine, a sub-tropical climate, and miles of warm Indian Ocean washing footsteps off sandy beaches make KwaZulu-Natal a popular holiday destination in South Africa. Whether you prefer beaches with buzzing nightlife on its doorstep, or the quiet sanctuary of untouched sands, you’ll find the perfect spot on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Thonga Beach Lodge Thonga Beach Lodge is an intimate, luxury lodge in the iSimangaliso Wetlands World Heritage Site. This pristine shoreline is the ideal place to explore wilderness beaches, coastal forests, and lakes brimming with wildlife. The warm, clear ocean is home to one of the world’s best snorkelling and scuba diving reefs. The air-conditioned suites have been carefully constructed to ensure maximum comfort with minimal impact on the environment. Enjoy panoramic sea views, mouth-watering cuisine, relaxing Sea Spa treatments, and candlelight dinners on the beach. Active guests can do guided forest walks, kayaking, and cultural tours through the Tsonga community. An annual highlight is watching turtles lay eggs and hatch on the beaches from November to February. Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel The 4-star Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel in Ballito lies in the midst of a natural eco forest, a short stroll from the exclusive beaches of the Dolphin Coast. The Afro-Bali style hotel lies in the heart of the town’s bustling hot spots, yet offers a world of peace and privacy. Coco De Mer provides à-la-carte dining in their elegant restaurant, Fiamma Grill, which draws from classic Italian and French cuisine. The restaurant spills over onto an outside deck with tropical landscaped gardens and the Indian Ocean beyond. Coco De Mer offers a wonderful poolside experience with a dedicated bar and poolside menu for laidback luncheons. The hotel takes pride in its private wine cellar which caters for an “exclusive chef’s table” – a unique experience on this coastline. The Oyster Box The Oyster Box is a 5-star hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, a popular resort town with a beautiful beach and vibrant promenade. With a selection of luxury suites and villas, the hotel accommodates any type of visitor. A variety of short-break packages and special offers can include gourmet meals, spa treatments, and day trips to local attractions, so you get the most out of your stay. The Grill Room at The Oyster Box offers first-class cuisine in an opulent setting. Start your evening with sundowners on the terrace before settling into a white leather chair in the formal, yet intimate dining room. Aside from classic dishes like oysters Rockefeller, crayfish cocktail, and confit of duck, The Grill Room is also one of the best steak houses in Durban. View Boutique Hotel & Spa View Boutique Hotel & Spa offers an exclusive 5-star stay with breath-taking views over Amanzimtoti’s Sapphire Coast. Dine at Giorgio’s, a glamorous restaurant with chandeliers and a cosy fireplace where you can enjoy award winning fusion style food with Italian flair. The Spa has fitness equipment and the latest holistic remedies for a superior wellness experience. Treatments include wraps, scrubs, massages, hydro therapy, steam baths, and a relaxing vitality pool. Days At Sea Beach Lodge Days At Sea Beach Lodge in the tiny coastal village of Trafalgar has been rated as one of the 100 best Hideaway Hotels of the world (Klocke Publisher 2009/2010 and 2011). The 5-star hotel has a Platinum Awarded Wine List (Diners International) and a 9/10 rating by British Airways Inflight Magazine. The Blue Flag Trafalgar beach is a secluded gem close to the Mpanjati Nature Reserve. The beach has good surfing waves and is an excellent spot to go snorkelling for fossilised remains of shellfish, various fish species, plant material, and petrified wood. Visitors can walk out and examine the fossils in greater detail at spring tide. Activities like golf, scuba diving, dolphin and whale watching, and deep sea fishing can be arranged by the lodge. Please note that children under 14 years old are not accommodated. What makes a perfect beachside getaway for you? Marcel Van de Ghinste is a Director at TravelGround. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.